Safety device for use with portable heater

ABSTRACT

A portable heater includes a burner 10 disposed on the bottom of a combustion cylinder 2, a container to be heated 6 which is disposed in an upper part of the combustion cylinder for storing contents which are heated when the heater is in use, a fuel tank 12 for storing fuel gas to be supplied to the burner, and an ignition means 8 having an ignition lever 21 which causes the ignition of the burner. For use with such a portable heater, a safety device for preventing the container from being heated while it is sealed, a safety device which prevents the emission of gas when flames are unexpectedly extinguished, and an overturn safety device for automatically extinguishing flames when the heater is overturned are obtained in a simple structure.

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 08/170,225, filedon Dec. 28, 1993 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,044.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a safety device for use with a portable heaterwhich causes a container to be heated, such as canned goods to be warmedby the combustion of gas.

BACKGROUND ART

During outdoor activities such as camping, a portable heater having asimple structure is considered as an appliance for easily heating waterheld in a container, canned goods or the like for the purpose of cookingprecooked foods or making tea or coffee. Such a portable heater supportsthe container, the canned goods or the like, and, for instance, a fueltank, a burner and an ignition means are arranged at the bottom of theheater. The emission and ignition of gas from the burner are carried outby the operation of an ignition lever, and heating is effected bycombustion using a burner that is relatively small about the size of agas lighter or thereabouts.

In a heater that effects heating by the combustion of gas, it isnecessary to interrupt the emission of gas if flames go out for anyreason during the combustion. To this end, several types of anextinguished-flame safety device have already been put forward, whichinterrupt the discharge of gas when flames go out.

Moreover, heaters, such as a gas stove for domestic use and a stovewhich uses kerosene, are usually equipped with an overturn safety devicefor automatically extinguishing flames in view of the prevention of afire when the stove falls as a result of an earthquake or the like, andseveral types of mechanisms used as such a device have also been putforward.

In a portable heater such as previously mentioned, when a container tobe heated is warmed by a burner, an internal pressure of the containerbody rises owing to an increase in temperature of the contents of thecontainer if the container is heated while it is sealed. Eventually,several problems may arise which are ascribed to the rupture of thecontainer during heating or the spewing-out of the contents of thecontainer when the container is opened. Hence, it is necessary tomaintain the container open to the atmosphere when being heated.

In view of the foregoing drawbacks, the object of this invention is toprovide a safety device for use with a portable heater whichautomatically bores a hole in a container body when the container isheated.

Another object of this invention is to provide a safety device for usewith a portable heater that ensures easy opening of the container andallows ignition operation to be performed only after the container isopened and also releases the container from its closed state when it isheated.

By the way, in the case of a portable heater, in order to ascertain theignition of gas after ignition operation, it is troublesome for a userto lean over and visually check flames through a verification window.The extinguished-flame safety device of some portable heaters mayrequire a much longer time to check the ignition of gas. Hence, it isnecessary to make the verification of ignition easy to perform. Theportable heater also encounters a problem that a user may burn his handor spill the contents of the heater when he inadvertently makes contactwith a high temperature section, because the user is not aware ofwhether or not the heater itself becomes hot after heating has beencompleted.

For this reason, another object of the present invention is to provide asafety device that facilitates a check to see whether or not ignition iseffected and attracts a user's attention when handling a heater byindicating the temperature.

Even a portable heater with a simple structure as mentioned abovesuffers from insufficient heating which will occur when flames areunexpectedly extinguished by wind or the like, because the volume of afuel tank is limited. Thus, there are demands for an extinguished-flamesafety device that interrupts the discharge of gas when flamesunexpectedly go out and an overturn safety device that automaticallyextinguishes a flame when the heater falls over. However, a conventionalsafety device used with a heater which employs town gas is complicatedin structure, and also adds to the cost of the heater, thereby renderingthe safety device disadvantageous. Hence, there is also a demand forthese safety devices to have a simplified structure.

To this end, another object of this invention is to provide anextinguished-flame safety device or an overturn safety device which isapplicable to a simple and small-sized portable heater.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

To overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, a safety device for use with aportable heater according to this invention comprises a burner disposedon the bottom of a combustion cylinder; a container to be heated,disposed at an upper part of the cylinder, for containing contents to beheated when the heater is in use; a fuel tank for storing fuel gas to besupplied to the burner; an ignition means having an ignition lever whichperforms ignition operation of the burner; and a hole-opening leverwhich moves in conjunction with the ignition lever and automaticallybores a vent hole for steam in an upper part of the container body.

With such an arrangement, when the ignition lever is operated to ignitea burner so that the container can be heated, the hole-opening lever isoperated in association with the operation of this ignition lever,whereby a vent hole is automatically bored in an upper part of thecontainer body. Steam, or the like, produced as a result of the heatingof contents is expelled from this vent hole, so that the internalpressure of the container drops. This prevents the container from beingruptured while being heated or the contents from being spewed out whenthe container is opened.

Another safety device for use with a portable heater, according to thisinvention, is provided with an operation rod that extends upward along acombustion cylinder with the lower end thereof coupled to the ignitionmeans and the upper end thereof further extended upwardly past thecombustion cylinder. The safety device is arranged in such a way thatthe ignition of a burner is carried out in accordance with the pressingof this operation rod. The safety device is also provided with anopening member that engages with a pull tab used for opening and formedon an upper part of the container and that opens the pull tab. Thisopening member is arranged to enable the ignition of the operation rodto be performed in conjunction with the rise of the opening member afterthe container has been opened.

With this arrangement, the container is opened by operating the openingmember, and hence smaller force is needed to actuate an operatingsection when compared with a case when a pull tab is directly removed.After the container has been opened by the operation of this openingmember, the ignition is effected by raising the opening member to afurther extent. Hence, the container becomes opened before an ignitionoperation is performed. This prevents the container from being heatedwhile being sealed, and also the implosion of the container while heatedor the eruption of contents of the container when it is opened.

It is desirable that the upper end of the operation rod should bearranged in a foldable manner, and that the upper end of the operationrod should be housed below the lower surface side of the opening memberwhen the container remains out of ignition.

Still another safety device for use with a portable heater, according tothis invention, is provided with an extinguished-flame safety device: abimetal member which responds to a rise in temperature resulting fromthe combustion of a burner which burns gas supplied from a fuel tank; aregulation member that moves in accordance with deformation of thebimetal member due to a rise in temperature caused by the combustion ofthe burner, and regulates return movement of the ignition lever bypartially engaging with the ignition lever, and meanwhile, allows theignition lever to move when the burner is in an extinguished state; andan extinguishing operation member for displacing the regulation memberwhich remains in an engaged state in a direction of disengagement.

In this arrangement, when combustion is started by the operation of theignition lever to ignite the burner, the regulation member that moved inaccordance with the deformation of the bimetal member due to a rise intemperature engages with the ignition lever, so that the ignition leveris held in an igniting state. This causes the emission of gas from theburner to be maintained and, hence, combustion to be continued. In themeantime, if flames go out for any reason during combustion, the bimetalmember is deformed upon responding to a drop in temperature, and theregulation member is disengaged from the ignition lever. The ignitionlever thus released returns to its original position, therebyinterrupting the discharge of gas from the burner. Thus, it is possibleto add a compact and simple extinguished-flame safety device whichensures operation to the portable heater.

It is desirable that a heat sensing part which transmits combustion heatof the burner be connected to the bimetal member. In addition, a linkmechanism for switching indications of a combustion indication sectionin response to the deformation of the bimetal member may be arranged.

Another safety device of this invention is characterized in that atemperature indication means is laid on the outer periphery of acombustion cylinder. It is preferable that one of the temperatureindication means be directly disposed on the surface of the combustioncylinder, whilst the other of the means be provided on a heat insulatingmaterial laid on the outer periphery of the combustion cylinder.

In this arrangement, when a container is heated in accordance withignition resulting from the operation of the ignition lever, heat isimmediately transmitted to the surface of the combustion cylinder. Theheat then activates the temperature indication means laid on thecombustion cylinder, which allows the ignition of gas to be verifiedeasily. Moreover, in the case of the safety device in which thetemperature indication means is disposed on the heat insulatingmaterial, it can be discerned that the surface of the combustioncylinder is hot when a temperature increases as a result of thecontinuation of heating. Hence, it is possible to attract a user'sattention when handling the container.

Yet another safety device of this invention is provided with anextinguished-flame safety device that retains an ignition lever of anignition means by means of a bimetal member which is deformed as aresult of a rise in temperature resulting from combustion. In connectionwith the updraft of combustion gas along the combustion chamber, anignition verification member, which is heated by the combustion gas andis made of heat sensitive material that causes discoloration or thedevelopment of color in accordance with a rise in temperature, isdisposed. The heat sensing characteristics of this ignition verificationmember are set to cause discoloration or the development of color whenthe ignition lever is retained in a combustion position by means of thebimetal member of the extinguished-flame safety device.

In this arrangement, the temperature of the combustion cylinder rises inresponse to the start of combustion by the operation of the ignitionlever. This causes the discoloration or the development of color of theheat sensing material of the ignition verification member, whereby theignition is verified. The heat sensing characteristics of this memberare set so that ignition can be verified when the ignition lever is heldin a combustion position resulting from the operation of theextinguished-flame safety device. Thereby, the operation of theextinguished-flame safety device is also verified.

Another safety device of this invention is characterized in that it isprovided with: an overturn sensor for detecting an overturn by themovement of a sensor member between an upright state and an overturnedstate of a heater; and a link member which causes the supply of gas to aburner to be opened and closed in conjunction with the operation of theoverturn sensor and interrupts the supply of gas upon detection of anoverturn by means of the overturn sensor.

With this arrangement of the overturn safety device, the supply of gasto the burner is continued, and heating owing to normal combustion iseffected when the heater is used while standing upright. If the heaterfalls over for any reason during combustion, the overturn sensor detectsthis overturned state of the heater. Then, the sensor member moves, andinterrupts the supply of gas to the burner via the link member. Anoverturn function is obtained in a simple structure which automaticallyinterrupts the emission of gas from the burner when the heater fallsover and extinguishes a fire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the basic structure of aportable heater which is equipped with a safety device according to afirst embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away perspective view showing one example ofthe appearance of the portable heater as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the chief portion of the heater thatillustrates a detailed example of the structure of an ignition means ofa burner;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional schematic view showing an exampleof structure between a combustion cylinder and a container to be heatedof the portable heater;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the basic structure of aportable heater equipped with a safety device according to a secondembodiment of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing the portable heater shown inFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the basic structure of aportable heater equipped with a safety device according to a thirdembodiment of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of the portable heater as shown in FIG.7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the basic structure of aportable heater equipped with a safety device according to a fourthembodiment of this invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating the portable heater asshown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the basic structureof portable heater equipped with a safety device according to a fifthembodiment of this invention;

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the portable heater as shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an opening member as shown in FIG.11;

FIGS. 14 to 17 are cross-sectional views of the chief portion of theheater that illustrate opening processes, in sequence, with the use ofthe opening member as shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the openingmember;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing another modified example of theopening member;

FIGS. 20 to 22 are perspective views showing modified examples of shapeof the opening member's end as shown in FIG. 18;

FIGS. 23A-23D are perspective views showing opening processes, in order,when the direction of mounting of the opening member is reversed withrespect to a pull-tab;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the top surface of an openingmember of a safety device according to a sixth embodiment of thisinvention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the opening member;

FIGS. 26A-26D are perspective views of the chief portion of the portableheater showing opening processes by means of the opening member as shownin FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the chief portion ofa portable heater equipped with a safety device according to a seventhembodiment of this invention;

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing the portable heater as shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the chief portion of the heaterillustrating opening processes as shown in FIG. 27.

FIGS. 30A-30D are perspective views of the chief portion of the heatershowing opening processes of another example of a pull-tab in sequence;

FIG. 31 is side cross-sectional view showing the basic structure of aportable heater equipped with a safety device according to an eighthembodiment of this invention;

FIG. 32 is a plan view illustrating the heater as shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along a line A--A as shownin FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional plan view of the chief portion of theheater taken along a line B--B as shown in FIG. 31;

FIGS. 35A-35C are cross-sectional plan views of the chief portion of theheater illustrating operating conditions of the safety device as shownin FIG. 31;

FIGS. 36A and 36B are cross-sectional front view of the chief portion ofthe heater illustrating operating conditions of the safety device asshown in FIG. 31;

FIGS. 37A and 37B are schematic views showing modified examples of aregulation member;

FIG. 38 is an schematic view showing a modified example of a bimetalmember;

FIG. 39 is an schematic view showing a modified example of a bimetalmember;

FIG. 40 is an schematic view showing an example of the arrangement of acombustion display mechanism;

FIGS. 41A and 41B are schematic views showing other examples of thearrangement of the combustion display mechanism;

FIG. 42 is an appearance perspective view showing a portable heaterequipped with a safety device according to a ninth embodiment of thisinvention;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional plan view of the heater as shown in FIG.42;

FIG. 44 is an appearance perspective view of the portable heater showinga modified example of the heater as shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 45 is an appearance perspective view showing a portable heaterequipped with a safety device according to a tenth embodiment of thisinvention;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional side elevation view showing the basicstructure of the heater as shown in FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is a plan view of the heater as shown in FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a plan view of the chief portion of the heater taken along aline C--C as shown in FIG. 46;

FIG. 49 is a partial cross-sectional plan view taken along a line D--Das shown in FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a side elevation view of the chief portion of the heater asshown in FIG. 48;

FIG. 51 is a side elevation view of the chief portion of the heatershowing the other side of the heater;

FIGS. 52A-52C are front views showing, in sequence, operating conditionsof an overturn safety device and an extinguished-flame safety device;

FIG. 53 is a plan view showing a base of a portable heater equipped witha safety device according to an eleventh embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view showing the safety device as shown inFIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view showing operating conditions of theheater as shown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional front view of the chief portion of the baseof the portable heater equipped with the safety device according to atwelfth embodiment of this invention; and

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the chief portion of a valvemechanism as shown in FIG. 56.

BEST MODES FOR PRACTICING THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, each embodiment of the present inventionwill be described hereinbelow.

<First Embodiment>

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a portable heater equipped with a safety device ofthis embodiment. This is an example of a safety device for avoidingclosed heating by automatically boring a hole in a container to beheated upon ignition.

Basically, the portable heater is composed of: a cylindrical combustioncylinder 2 with at least its upper end open; a container to be heated(canned goods) 6 fixedly housed in an upper inside of this combustioncylinder 2 with a gap 4 for the updrafting of combustion gas formedbetween it and the cylinder 2, and also made of a cylindricalheat-resistant container body 6 having a lid 6d in which an openingpull-tab 6c is provided on the upper end surface of the lid; a burner 10equipped with an ignition means 8, and fixedly housed inside a lowerportion of the combustion cylinder 2 for heating the container 6; and afuel tank 12 fixed inside the lower portion of the cylinder 2 forsupplying fuel to the burner 10. The container 6 stores contents 5 to beheated when the heater is in use, and the cylinder 2 is provided with anair inlet port 2a for supplying air from the outside to the burner 10and an opening 2b which allows the ignition means 8 to be operated fromthe outside.

The opening 2b, made on the cylinder 2 in order to allow the ignitionmeans 8 to be operated from the outside, is provided with a window 14that enables the verification of flames of the burner 10 from theoutside and a scaled window 16 for the verification of the quantity ofremaining fuel in the tank 12.

The ignition means 8 of the burner 10 is also provided with an ignitionlever 21 which supplies gas to the burner 10 and effects ignition. Thisignition lever 21 is provided with a hole-opening lever 22 whichoperates in conjunction with the ignition lever. The upper end of thishole-opening lever 22 extends upwards through the gap 4, and the leverhas a pointed protuberance 22a for boring purposes that is formed at alocation of the lever which is opposite to the top of the container body6c.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the burner 10 and a link structure betweenthe ignition lever 21 and the hole-opening lever 22. A housing 23 isconnected to the side of the fuel tank 12 that contains pressurized gas,thereby constituting a gas chamber 24 that becomes wider upwardly. Aconnection hole 25 is formed on the side wall on an upper part of thetank 12 so as to be connected with the gas chamber 24. This connectionhole 25 is opened and closed by bringing a valve rubber 28 on one end ofa pivotal lever disposed within the gas chamber 24 to come into pressedcontact with the hole. The middle of the pivotal lever 27 is rotatablysupported by a fulcrum, and the other end of the lever is forced in adirection of closing of the valve by means of a return spring 29. Theend of a lever pin 31 comes into contact with a surface that is oppositeto this return spring 29.

A gas pipe 32 is disposed on the side of the gas chamber 24 above thefuel tank 12 for supplying gas from the chamber 24 to the burner 10. Theburner 10 is attached to the upper end of this gas pipe 32. A nozzle 34with its end sharply formed is disposed at the base portion of theburner so as to be connected with an emission port 33 which is opened tothe gas chamber 24. The gas pipe 32 and the burner 10 may be formed inan integrated manner.

The lever pin 31 projects from the housing 23 while the end thereof issealed by means of an O-ring 36, and the ignition lever 21 of theignition means 8 links with this lever pin 31. In other words, theignition lever 21 is supported by a pivotal pin 37 in a verticallypivotable manner. An operation part 21a is projected from the cylinder2, and it remains in an operable state. A link part 21b downwardlyextends from the ignition lever, and is forced in a return direction bymeans of a spring 38 interposed between the lever and the housing. Thelower end of the link part 21b comes into contact with the end of thelever pin 31 when the ignition lever 21 is rotated downwards, therebythrusting the lever pin 31 into the housing.

Although a specific structure is not illustrated, a lock mechanism isarranged to maintain the thrusting action of the lever pin 31 and theopening action of the pivotal lever 27 during ignition and combustion.Similarly, though a specific structure is not illustrated, a dischargeelectrode or the like is disposed to cause the burner 10 to be ignitedby electric discharge by the operation of a piezoelectric unit inconjunction with downward rotations of the ignition lever 21.

An engaging protuberance 21c is formed on the ignition lever 21 abovethe pivotal pin 37, and this protuberance 21c meshes with a lower endengaging part 22b of the hole-opening lever 22. The hole-opening lever22 is supported by a pin in a rotatable fashion, and is arranged in sucha manner that when the engaging protuberance 21c of the ignition lever21 comes into contact with the lower end engaging part 22b, the lever 22rotates, and the upper end protuberance 22a is forced against the sidesurface of an upper part of the container body 6c to bore a vent hole inthe body 6c.

The gap 4 is established between the container body 6c of the container6 and the combustion cylinder 2 for the updraft of combustion gas, andthe structure for forming this gap 4 also serves as a means for fixingthe cylinder 2 and the body 6c. Specifically, as seen from a horizontalcross section of FIG. 4, a corrugated partition plate 9 thatlongitudinally extends is sandwiched between the cylinder 2 and the body6c, and corrugated inner spacing 9a of the corrugated plate 9 serves asthe gap 4 for the updraft of combustion gas.

The operation of the embodiment set forth above will now be described.When combustion is started with the use of the burner 10 to heat thecontainer 6, the operation part 21a of the ignition lever 21 is pressed.The link part 21b of the lever thrusts the lever pin 31 into thehousing, which causes the pivotal lever 27 to rotate against the returnspring 29. Then, the valve rubber 28 is separated from the connectionhole 25, and fuel is supplied to the gas chamber 24 from the fuel tank12. Fuel within this chamber 24 is emitted from the burner 10 via theemission port 33, the nozzle 34 and the gas pipe 32.

Combustion is effected by the ignition of this discharged gas, and thecontainer body 6c is directly heated from underneath by flames which arebeing discharged. The lower end of the partition plate 9 extendsdownwards past the bottom of the container body 6c, and hence hot airproduced by flames from the burner 10 flow upwards solely along theinner spacing 9a that faces the peripheral wall of the body 6c. Thus,the container 6 is efficiently heated, and ambient air flows through aspacing 9b, thereby suppressing a rise in temperature of the outside ofthe combustion cylinder 2 and hence facilitating the handling of thesame. Moreover, the corrugated partition plate 9 serves to keep thecontents 5 warm after the heating of the contents within the container 6has been completed.

Concurrently with the supply of fuel and ignition, the engagingprotuberance 21c engages with the engaging part 22b of the hole-openinglever 22 in accordance with the ignition operation of the lever 21, thatis, the rotation of the lever 21. This causes the hole-opening lever 22to rotate and automatically bore a vent hole in the container body 6c.Thus, a rise in internal pressure caused by heating is suppressed byexpelling vapor or the like through the vent hole. When a flame isextinguished, the lever pin 31 is caused to protrude, whereby thepivotal lever 27 rotates under the thrusting force of the return spring29. This causes the valve rubber 28 to close the connection hole 25, andhence the emission of gas is stopped. Thus, the combustion by the burner10 is completed.

In the previous embodiment, a governor mechanism may be incorporatedinto the heater for regulating in such a manner that the pressure ofsupplied gas becomes substantially constant even when temperaturevaries. For instance, a diaphragm should preferably be disposed in sucha way as that the pivotal lever 27 causes the diaphragm to be closedwhen the pressure of the gas chamber 24 rises but to be opened inaccordance with a pressure drop.

Instead of the mechanism for opening and closing the supply of gas bythe operation of the pivotal lever 27 in the previous embodiment, avalve mechanism for closing and opening the supply of gas may bedisposed at the nozzle 34, and may be linked in such a fashion that thevalve mechanism is operated and opened in accordance with the ignitionoperation of the ignition lever 21. In that case, the pivotal lever 27will be omitted, or will be arranged to cause the connection hole 25 tobe opened or closed in accordance with pressure with the help of agovernor mechanism.

<Second Embodiment>

This embodiment is a modified example of the first embodiment, and isillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. This example relates to a safety devicearranged such that a pull-tab is opened in conjunction with an ignitionoperation, thereby rendering a container to be heated unsealed.

A container to be heated 6 in this embodiment is provided with apull-tab 6a located at the center of a lid 6b of a container body 6c. Aburner 10 and a fuel tank 12 are arranged in the same manner as in theprevious embodiment, an ignition means 8 for igniting the burner isprovided with an ignition lever 41 that operates a valve mechanism 40for closing and opening the supply of gas to the burner 10 and alsoeffects ignition. A hole-opening lever 42 is disposed which is connectedwith this ignition lever 41.

The hole-opening lever 42 has a rod part 42a with its lower endconnected to the ignition lever 41 and extending upwards through a gap4. This rod part 42a is pivotable coupled with a lever part 42c thatextends in a direction of the center of the container 6 over the samevia an upper end coupling part 42b. A lever-shaped end part 42d of thelever part 42c is interposed between a lower side of the pull-tab 6a andthe lid 6b.

With the arrangement of this embodiment, ignition operation caused bythe pressing of the ignition lever 41 cause the rod part 42a and thecoupling part 42b of the lever part 42c to be pulled downwards. Thereby,the end part 42d causes the pull-tab 6a to be pulled up, and a vent holeis automatically opened together with the ignition operation.

<Third Embodiment>

This embodiment is a modified example of the first embodiment, and isshown in FIGS. 7 and 8. This example relates to a safety device thatrenders a container to be heated unsealed by boring a vent hole in a lid6b together with ignition operation.

As with the previous embodiment, an ignition means 8 in this embodimentis provided with an ignition lever 41 that operates a valve mechanism 40and effects ignition. A hole-opening lever 44 is disposed which isconnected with this ignition lever 41 for boring a hole in a containerto be heated 6.

The hole-opening lever 44 has a rod part 44a with its lower endconnected to the ignition lever 41 and extending upwards through a gap4. An upper end part 44b is bent in a direction of the center of the lid6b above the same. An end part 44c is bent downwards, and is pointed.

With the arrangement of this embodiment, ignition operation caused bythe pressing of the ignition lever 41 cause the rod part 44a of theopening lever 44 to be pulled downwards. This causes the end part 44c topressed against the lid 6b, thereby automatically boring a vent hole.

<Fourth Embodiment>

This embodiment is another modified example of the first embodiment, andis shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. This example relates to a safety device thatrenders a container to be heated unsealed by boring a vent hole in a lid6b together with ignition operation.

As with the previous embodiment, an ignition means 8 in this embodimentis provided with an ignition lever 41 that operates a valve mechanism 40and effects ignition. A hole-opening lever 46 is disposed which isconnected with this ignition lever 41 for boring a hole in a containerto be heated 6.

The hole-opening lever 46 has a rod part 46a with its lower endconnected with the ignition lever 41 and extending upwards through a gap4. A lever part 46c, extending to the opposite end of the container 6over the same, is connected to the upper end of the hole-opening leverin a pivotable manner via a coupling part 46b. An end part 46d of thelever part 46c is engaged with a joined part between a lid 6b and acontainer body 6c. A pointed protuberance 46e for boring purposes isformed on the lower surface to the inside of the lever part 46c at adistance from this end part 46d.

With the arrangement of this embodiment, ignition operation caused bythe pressing of the ignition lever 41 cause the rod part 46a of thehole-opening lever 46 and the coupling part 46b of the lever part 46c tobe pulled downwards. This causes the lever part 46c to rotate around theend part 46d that acts as a fulcrum and, also, the protuberance 46e tobe pressed against the lid 6b, thereby automatically boring a vent hole.

In the foregoing embodiments 1 through 4, the design of the ignitionlevers 21 and 41 can be appropriately changed to a laterally pivotabletype as well as a longitudinally pivotable type, a rotatable type, apress type or the like. In response to this, the design of a mechanismfor closing and opening the supply of fuel, an ignition mechanism and alink mechanism with the hole-opening levers 22, 42, 44 and 46 arevaried.

<Fifth Embodiment>

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a portable heater equipped with a safetydevice of this embodiment. This embodiment relates to an example of asafety device that enables an ignition operation after a container to beheated having an opening member has been opened, and this avoids heatingwhile the container is sealed.

The portable heater is made up of a cylindrical combustion cylinder 102;a container 106a fixedly housed in an upper inside of this combustioncylinder 102 with a gap 104 formed between the container and thecylinder, and also composed of a cylindrical heat-resistant containerbody 106c having a lid 106a in which an opening pull-tab 105 is formedon the upper end surface of the lid; a burner 110 fixedly housed withina lower inside of the cylinder 102, and equipped with an ignition means108; and a fuel tank 112.

The base of the opening pull-tab 105 is fixed to the center side sectionof an opening flap 106b formed by stamping a cut line on the lid 106a.When a ring portion of the pull-tab 105, extending in a directionopposite to the opening flap 106b, is raised, the center side section ofthe flap 106b is also raised and separated. Then, a small hole isopened, and the container is also opened. Further raising of thepull-tab 105 causes the pull-tab and the opening flap 106b to beseparated from the lid 106a, thereby opening an outlet port for thecontents of the container. There is another known structure for theshape of the pull-tab 105 and the flap 106b.

An opening member 115 that engages with the pull-tab 105 and opens thecontainer by raising the pull-tab 105 is also provided on the top of thelid 106b of the container 106. As shown in FIG. 13, this opening member115 comprises a lever section 116 which extends in the form of a stick;a connection leaf 118 connected to the lever section 116 and having anengagement section 117 which engages with the pull-tab 105; an operationsection 116a formed on one end of the lever for affording a hold for afinger when pull operation is carried out.

Concretely, the lever section 116 is made of a plate member (forinstance, a metal plate), and has a length that is slightly shorter thana bore diameter of the upper end outer periphery of the container 106and a width that is slightly wider than that of the pull-tab 105. Bothsides of the opening member are bent downwards to form side walls 116b.Both ends of the opening member are formed into an arc. A circularfinger hold aperture 119 is opened in the vicinity of one of the ends,that is, the operation section 116a. In the meantime, the base of theconnection leaf 118 is supported in a rotatable fashion by a pin 120that is arranged at substantially the center position opposite to theoperation section 116a and in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinaldirection of the operation section. The end of this connection leaf 118is cylindrically curled to form the engagement section 117. Thisengagement section 117 engages with the pull-tab 105 in a rotatablefashion. An insertable opening is also formed on the area of the lever116 that corresponds to the connection leaf 118.

The ignition means 108 of the burner 110 is provided with an ignitionlever 125 for supplying gas to the burner 110 and effecting ignition. Anoperation rod 126 is connected with this ignition lever 125 with one endof the rod protecting upwards along the side of the container 106. Theignition lever 125 is provided with a first arm 127 and a second arm128, both arms pivotally moving in conjunction with the pivotaloperation of the ignition lever. The first arm 127 is caused to beclosed and opened in conjunction with a nozzle member 129 of a valvemechanism which controls the supply of gas from the fuel tank 112,whereas the second arm 128 causes a piezoelectric ignition unit 130 tobe actuated. The nozzle member 129 is opened and actuated in accordancewith the pressing of the ignition lever 125, so that fuel gas issupplied to the burner 110. A discharge voltage is applied from theignition unit 130 to a non-illustrated discharge electrode, therebyeffecting ignition and combustion.

On the other hand, the lower end of the operation rod 126 is connectedto the end of the ignition lever 125, and the upper end of the sameextends upwards through the gap 104. When the ignition lever 125 issituated at its upper position (a non-operation position), that is, theoperation rod 126 locates at its upper position, the end 126a isarranged on the top of the container 106 in a foldable manner. The end126a is forced to stand upright, namely straight, by means of anon-illustrated spring. A stopper mechanism is also provided to maintainthe end in this straight state. When the container 106 is kept in apreserved state, the end 126a of the rod 126 is fixedly folded away onthe opening member 115. The thrust of the operation rod 126 connected tothe ignition lever 125 causes the ignition operation to be performed.

A triangularly corrugated partition plate 109, which extendslongitudinally, is interposed between the combustion cylinder 102 andthe container body 106c. The inner wave-shaped spacing 109a of thiscorrugated partition plate 109 serves as a gap 104 for the updraft ofcombustion gas.

The operation of the above embodiment will now be described. When thecontainer is in a preserved state as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, theopening member 115 is mounted flat on the top of the container 106. Theengagement section 117 of the opening member engages with the pull-tab105, and the end 126a of the rod 126 of the ignition means 108 is foldedflat and stored.

When the container 106 is heated, the operation section 116a of thelever section 116 of the opening member 115 is raised using the fingerhold 119, thereby raising the lever 116. At this time, the end 126a ofthe rod 126 of the ignition means 108 is released from its fixed state,and hence stands upright.

As shown in FIG. 14, further raising of the lever 116 brings itsend-into contact with the outer periphery of the top surface of the lid106a, thereby causing the lever to be pivoted around this contactedpoint. This causes the engagement section 117 of the connection leaf 118to raise the pull-tab 105, and hence the center of the opening flap 106bis raised, thereby opening a small hole. Subsequently, as shown in FIG.15, when the lever 116 is raised until it stands substantially upright,the pull-tab 105 is further raised, and the connection leaf 118 comesinto line with the pull-tab 105. Thus, both the leaf and the pull-tabbecome fully extended.

When the lever 116, thus standing upright, is folded away from thecontainer, the lever 116 pivots about a connection point between theconnection leaf 118 and the lever, that is, the pin 120. Then, the endof the lever which is opposite to the operating section 116a travelstoward the center of the lid 106a over the same. The following halfpivotal movement of the lever causes the end 126a of the rod 126 to comeinto contact with the vicinity of the center on the upper surface sideof the lever 116. As shown in FIG. 17, this thrusts the operation rod126, and the down-thrust of this operation rod 126 causes the ignitionlever 125 of the ignition means 108 to pivot, thereby causing gas to bedischarged from the burner 110 and to be ignited.

Thus, it is arranged that several operations, namely, the raising of theopening member 115, the raising of the pull-tab 105 and the opening ofthe container 106 by the hinging of the opening member to the front, andthe ignition of the burner 110 are successively and dependentlyperformed, thereby preventing the heating of a container while it issealed.

FIG. 8 shows a modified example of the opening member of the fifthembodiment. In the opening member 115 of the fifth embodiment mentionedabove, the operation section 116a of the lever section 116 is providedwith the finger hold aperture 119. In an opening member 121 of thisexample, one end of the lever 116 is formed to extend outside past theupper edge of the container body 106c, thereby constituting an operationsection 116a which has a part, extending from the container body 106c,to be held and raised by a finger from its lower side. Notches 116c tobe engaged with the brim of a can are formed on the side walls 116b tothe inside of the operation section 116a.

The connection leaf 118 of the lever 116 is formed in the shape of astrip by stamping the lever 116 with nicks. A connection part serves asthe center of the pivotal movement of the connection leaf 118, therebyrendering the pin 120 used in the foregoing embodiment unnecessary. Thewidth of the lever 116 is smaller than that of the lever used in theforegoing embodiment, and clearance grooves 116d are formed on the sidewalls 116b to avoid interference with the pull-tab 105.

FIG. 19 shows another modified example of the opening member. In anopening member 122 of this example, the connection leaf 118 having theengagement section 117 is formed separately from the lever 116. A baseof the leaf is connected to, and supported by, the pin 120 in arotatable fashion at substantially the center of the lever 116 on therear surface of the same. The rest of the opening member is structurallythe same as the member shown in FIG. 18.

FIGS. 20-22 respectively show modified examples of the shape of the endof the opening member 121 as shown in FIG. 18. In the example shown inFIG. 20, ends 116e of the side walls 116b are rounded. Similarly, in theexample shown in FIG. 21, the ends 116e of the side walls 116b arerounded, and the end of the lever 116 is formed into a concavely curvedsurface 116f. Moreover, in the example shown in FIG. 22, the end of thelever 116 is formed into a convexly curved surface 116g. In any event,the opening member 121 is improved in operability when the member israised and folded away from the container. The opening member isarranged in such a manner that the engagement of the member with theouter brim of the lid 106a of the container 106 and the sliding of themember over the upper surface of the lid can be improved. Even in otherexamples, the shape of the end of the opening member can be modified, ifnecessary.

On the other hand, FIGS. 23A-23D show a case where the opening member122 is attached in a direction, which is opposite to that in the aboveexamples, with respect to the pull-tab 105. The connection leaf 118 isfolded away towards the operation section 116a, and then the engagementsection 117 engages with the pull-tab 105. As shown in FIGS. 23A-23D, acontainer is opened by the similar operation to the previous examples,and the ignition operation of a non-illustrated operation rod is carriedout. The size of an opening in the container that is made when theopening member 122 is raised becomes large.

<Sixth Embodiment>

This embodiment is a modified example of the fifth embodiment. Thisembodiment relates to an example of a safety device which enables anignition operation, as shown in FIGS. 26A-26D after a container to beheated has been opened with the use of an opening member shown in FIGS.24 and 25.

An opening member 135 of this embodiment engages with the pull-tab 105in a slidable fashion. The member is made of a plate member (forexample, a metal plate). A lever section 136 has a length which isslightly shorter than the bore diameter of the upper end outer peripheryof the container 106, and has a width which is slightly wider than thatof the pull-tab 105. Both sides of the member are bent downwards to formengagement sections 137. These engagement sections 137 engage with bothsides of the pull-tab 105. One end of the engagement sections 137 isleft open, and the other end thereof is provided with a removal stopper137a. Front and back ends of the lever 136 are slightly bent upwards.One end of the opening member where the removal stopper 137a is providedis formed into a thrust section 136a for sliding purposes. The other endof the opening member is formed into an operation section 136b forraising purposes.

As shown in FIG. 26A, the opening member 135 as set forth above isfitted inside the periphery of an upper part of the container 106 byinserting the pull-tab 105 of the container 106 into the engagementsections 137 from the open side of the opening member (from theoperation section 136b), so that the engagement sections engage with thepull tab. The operation rod 126 of the ignition means 108 as constitutedin a similar manner to the previous embodiment is disposed so as tolocate at an extended part of the operation section 136b of the openingmember 135. The end 126a is folded and engagedly inserted between thelower surface of the operation section 136b and the lid.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described with reference toFIGS. 26A-26D. When the container 106 is heated from its preserved stateas mentioned above, the thrust section 136a of the lever 136 of theopening member 135 is slid towards the center when it is pressed. Thiscauses the operation section 136b at one end of the opening member 135to protect outside over the upper brim of the container body 106c. Thepull-tab 105 is held at the end of the opening member by means of theremoval stopper 137a of the engagement sections 137.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 26c, when the lever section 136 startsbeing raised by pulling the operation section 136b upwards, the pull tab105 engaging with the other end of the lever is also raised by theengagement section 137. This causes the center of the opening flap 106bto be separated, thereby producing a small hole. At this time, the end126a of the rod 126 of the ignition means 108 is disengaged from theopening member 135, and hence stands upright.

After the container body 106c has been opened, the opening member 135 ishorizontally pressed down in a manner opposite to the previousprocedures. This brings the back surface of the lever 136 into contactwith the end 126a of the rod 126. The thrust of this operation rod 126causes the ignition lever 125 of the ignition means 108 to pivot inaccordance with the pressing of this operation section 126b, therebycausing gas to be discharged from the burner 110 and ignited.

As mentioned above, the raising of the pull tab 105, the opening of thecontainer 106 and the ignition of the burner 110 are successively andassociatedly carried out by the sliding, raising and returning of theopening member 135, thereby preventing the heating of the containerwhile it is sealed.

<Seventh Embodiment>

This embodiment is another modified example of the fifth embodiment, andis shown in FIGS. 27 to 29. This embodiment relates to an example havinga different link structure disposed between the opening member and theoperation rod.

An opening member 145 of this embodiment has a lever section 146. Aconnection leaf 148 is connected to the lever section 146 by a pin 120in a rotatable fashion, and an end engagement section 147 of the leafengages with a pull tab 105. One end of the lever section is formed intoan operation section 146a. An end foldable section 141a of an operationrod 141 is disposed in a foldable fashion around a fulcrum. Bifurcatedends of the foldable section are bent downwards, and held below an end146b of the lever 146 that is opposite to the operation section 146a. Asleeve 142 is fitted around the shaft of the operation rod 141, and isforced upwards by means of a spring 143 disposed below the sleeve. Thissleeve 142 causes the end foldable section 141a to stand and be heldupright.

In other words, when the operation section 146a of the opening member145 is pivoted so that it can be raised from its folded state as shownin FIGS. 27 and 28, the container is opened by raising the pull-tab 105in a similar manner to the previous embodiments. Accordingly, as the end146b of the opening member travels towards the center over the lid 106a,the end 146b is disengaged from the foldable section 141a of theoperation rod 141. As shown in FIG. 29, the elevation of the sleeve 142owing to the spring 143 causes the foldable section 141a to standupright. The sleeve 142 is positioned around the outer periphery of thefulcrum of the rod, thereby maintaining the foldable section 141a in anupright state. Further folding of the opening member 145 causes theoperation rod 141 to be pressed, thereby effecting ignition. FIGS.30A-30D show an example of the opening of a container to be heated whichis arranged in such a manner that a pull-tab, as employed in thefifth-seventh embodiments, is not separated from a lid. In thisembodiment, the opening member 135 (which is slightly different instructure from the original.) of the sixth embodiment is used. Namely, apull-tab 150 of this embodiment is arranged in such a way that the tabis once raised to open an opening flap 160b, and then the tab 150 ishorizontally folded. The opening member 135 is slid and engaged with thepull-tab 150. The end 141a of the operation rod 141 is folded flat andheld between the rear side of the operation section 136b of the lever136 and the lid while the end engages with the operation section (seeFIG. 30B). The opening operation of the container is the same as thecontainer as shown in FIG. 26. The container is opened by raising theoperation section 136b, and hence the end foldable section 141a of theoperation rod 141 is disengaged from the operation section, and standsupright. Simultaneously, ignition is effected by the following thrust ofthe foldable section to a horizontal level.

<Eighth Embodiment>

FIGS. 31 to 34 show portable heaters equipped with a safety deviceaccording to this embodiment. This embodiment relates to an example ofan extinguished-flame safety device which prevents the emission ofunburnt gas if flames go out during combustion.

A portable heater is made up of: a cylindrical combustion cylinder 202;a container to be heated 206 fixedly housed within an upper part of thiscombustion cylinder 202 with a gap 204 formed for the updraft ofcombustion gas, and made of a cylindrical heat-resistant can body 206cin which an opening pull-tab 205 is formed on the upper end surface of alid 206a; and a heating equipment 207 fixedly housed within a lower partof the cylinder 202. The heating equipment 207 comprises a burner 210provided with an ignition means 208; a fuel tank 212; and anextinguished-flame safety device 215 (see FIG. 33).

The ignition means 208 is provided with an ignition lever 218 forcausing gas to be supplied to the burner 210 and ignited. The ignitionlever 218 has a pair of lever sections 218a extending on both sides ofthe fuel tank 212. The one end of the lever is pivoted by a rotatingshaft 219, and the other end thereof is connected to an operationsection 218b in front of a panel 220. The ignition lever is arranged soas to be pivoted in accordance with the pressing of the operationsection 218b. A first arm 221 and a second arm 222, both rotating inaccordance with the pivotal movement of the ignition lever 218, areattached to the rotating shaft 219. The first arm 221 is connected to avalve mechanism 24 for regulating the supply of gas from the fuel tank212, and causes the valve to be opened and closed. The second arm 222actuates a piezoelectric ignition unit 225. The second arm causes thevalve mechanism 224 to be opened upon pressing of the ignition lever 218and, hence, fuel gas to supply to the burner 210. A discharge voltage isapplied from the piezoelectric ignition unit 225 to a non-illustratedelectrode, thereby effecting ignition and combustion.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 35A-36B, the extinguished-flame safetydevice 215 is provided with a bimetal member 231. This bimetal member231 is produced in an inverted U-shape. A fixed section 231a at oneshorter end of the member is fixed to the upper end of a support 235which stands at the side of the ignition lever 218. A displaceablesection 231c extends from this fixed section 231a upwards and thendownwards via a curved section 231b. A regulation member 232 isconnected to the lower end of the bimetal member, wherein the front sideof the regulation member progressively protrudes outside in a downwarddirection, and the lower surface of this regulation member is engageablewith the lever section 218a of the ignition lever 218. A release 233that extends sidewards is disposed at a position opposite to theregulation member 232. This release 233 has a release window 233a.

Moreover, the curved section 231b of the bimetal member 231 is connectedto a heat-sensitive part 234 (not shown in FIG. 33). This heat-sensitivepart 234 is made of metal having a superior heat conductivity. One endof this heat-sensitive part is fixed to the bimetal member 231, whilstthe other end thereof extends to the vicinity of the burner 210. Uponreceipt of combustion heat produced by the burner 210, theheat-sensitive part transfers heat to the bimetal member 231. It isdesirable that the bimetal member 231 should be formed into a multilayerstructure, in which members having a high heat conductivity such ascopper are laminated at the center of the structure.

When a temperature rises, the bimetal member 231 is displaced in adirection in which a curvature radius of the curved part 231b becomeslarge. When the bimetal member has thus been thermally displaced, theregulation member 232 moves to a position above the lever 218a of theignition lever 218. The lower end of this regulation member 232 is setin such a way that the regulation member engages with the upper side ofthe lever section 218a so as to hold the ignition lever 218 at anignition position when the ignition lever 218 is situated at a pressedposition, that is, an ignition position.

A flame extinguishing section 237 is connected to the release section233 of the bimetal member 231. As shown in FIGS. 35A-35C, the frontportion of this flame extinguishing member 237 is formed into apress-button section 237a. This button section passes through, and isalso supported by, the panel 220. A plate section 237b extendsrearwardly from the back of this button section, and passes through therelease window 233a of the release section 233. The flame extinguishingmember 237 is inserted into a holder 238, and is forced in a directionof projection by means of a spring 239 which is interposed between theend of the extinguishing member and the holder. Moreover, a taperedsection 237c is formed on one side of the plate section 237b. Thistapered section 237c is engaged with the edge of the release window233a, whereby the regulation member 232 of the bimetal member 231 can bedisplaced in a receding direction.

As with the previous embodiment, the triangular corrugated partitionplate 209 is interposed between the combustion cylinder 202 and acontainer body 206c. The inner spacing 9a of the corrugations of thispartition plate 209 serves as the gap 204 for the updraft of combustiongas.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described. When a heater isin an extinguished state, that is, a container is in a preserved statewithout the operation of the ignition lever 218, the operation section218b of the ignition lever 218 is situated at its elevated position. Thebimetal member 231 is also in a non-deformed state, and the regulationmember is positioned at its receded location where it allows thevertical movement of the ignition lever 218. Under such conditions, asshown in FIGS. 35A and 36A, when ignition operation, that is, thedepression of the ignition lever 218 is carried out, gas is dischargedfrom the burner 210 and then ignited. In a state immediately aftercombustion is started, the bimetal still remains intact without aninfluence of a rise in temperature, and the regulation member 232locates at its receded position.

After a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of combustionwhile the ignition lever 218 is being depressed, upon reception ofcombustion heat transmitted from the heat-sensitive section 234, thebimetal member 231 is thermally deformed. As shown in FIGS. 35B and 36B,the regulation member 232 is deformed so as to project over the lever218a of the ignition lever 218. At this time, even when the ignitionlever 218 is released, the bottom of the regulation member 232 locks thelever 218a, and prevents the upward return movement of the ignitionlever 218, whereby the emission of gas from the burner 210 ismaintained, and combustion continues.

If flames are unexpectedly extinguished, during combustion, by wind orthe boiling over of the liquid, the bimetal member 231 will be deformedin a receding direction as a result of a drop in temperature. Theregulation member 232 is disengaged from the lever section 218a of theignition lever 218, and the ignition lever 218 pivots and returns in anupward direction. As a result of this, the supply of gas to the burner210 is interrupted, thereby preventing the emission of gas while theflames are extinguished.

Meanwhile, when flames are extinguished after the heating operation hasbeen completed, the pressing of the press-button 237a of the flameextinguishing member 237 causes the regulation member 232 of the bimetalmember 231 to be disengaged from the lever section 218a via the releasesection 233 by means of the tapered section 237c. Hence, the ignitionlever 218 pivots and returns in an upward direction, therebyinterrupting the emission of gas and causing flames to be extinguished.FIGS. 37A and 37B show a modified example of the regulation member. Inthe above embodiment, although the regulation member 232 is integratedwith the bimetal member 231, a regulation member 242 is independentlyformed in the form of a V-shaped pivotal arm in this embodiment.

In other words, the regulation member 242 is supported by a pivot 242ain a pivotal manner, and a slit 242b of the regulation member mesheswith the end (a pin) of a displacement section 231c of the displaceablesection 231c of the bimetal member 231. The regulation member is pivotedfrom a low temperature state shown in FIG. 37A to a heated state shownin FIG. 37B as a result of the thermal deformation of the bimetalmember. The end of a hook 242c moves to a position above the leversection 218a of the ignition lever 218, and engages with this leversection.

In this modified example, a multiplying factor adjustment of the amountof displacement can be carried out by varying a length between the pivot242a of the regulation member 242 and an engagement position, whichmakes it possible to increase an operation force.

In the flame extinguishing mechanism shown in FIG. 37A and 37B, anon-illustrated release section 233 having a release window 233a similarto the previous example may be connected to the bimetal member 231, andthe mechanism may be arranged so as to be actuated by the operation ofthe flame extinguishing operation member 237 having the press-button237a. Moreover, a flame extinguishing operation member may be arrangedsuch that an arm of the regulation member 232 is rotated directly in anextinguishing direction.

FIG. 38 shows a modified example of a bimetal member. A bimetal member244 of this example is linear, and the upper end 244a of this member isfixed to a support 246. A heat-sensitive section 245 is connected tothis upper end 244a, and the lower end 244b is deformed and warpedtowards the ignition lever 218 resulting from a rise in temperature ofthis heat-sensitive section. As with the previous example, theregulation member 232 is formed on the lower end 244b to stop the leversection 218a of the ignition lever 218.

The flame extinguishing member 247 is constituted into a lever which isvertically operated. When the ignition lever 218 is held by theregulation member 232, the pressing of the flame extinguishing member247 causes the lower end 244b of the bimetal member 244 to recede,whereby the regulation member 232 is disengaged from the lever. Thisflame extinguishing member 247 may be constituted in the same manner asin the previous example, or the structure of this example may be appliedto the previous example.

FIG. 39 shows another modified example of a bimetal member. In thisexample, a bimetal member 249 stands restricted, at one end thereof, bymeans of a support section 250a and is supported, at the other endthereof, by a slidable support section 250b. A warp of this slidablesupport causes a center 249a to advance or recede. A heat-sensitivesection 251 is connected with this center 249a, and a regulation member252 is formed which holds the lever section 218a of the ignition lever218. A flame extinguishing member 253 is formed in such a way that thepressing of this member causes the bimetal member 249 to directlyrecede.

In this example, the deformed stress of the bimetal member 249 is large,and hence this should preferably be applied to a mechanism whichrequires a large operation force.

FIG. 40 shows an example in which a link mechanism 256 is arranged forswitching a display of a combustion display 255 formed on a panel 220 inaccordance with the thermal deformation of the bimetal member 231 usedin the example shown in FIG. 33.

Namely, one end of the link mechanism 256 is engaged with the bimetalmember 231, and the link mechanism is made up of a pivotal arm 257 whichmoves in a pivotal manner in accordance with the thermal deformation ofthe bimetal member.

Specifically, one end of the link mechanism 256 is connected to thebimetal member 231, and is made of a pivotal arm 257 which causespivotal movement as a result of the thermal deformation of the bimetalmember. An indication plate 258 is connected to the end of the pivotalarm 257. The sliding of the indication plate 258 causes the display ofthe opening 220a of the combustion display section 255 to be switched.

FIGS. 41A and 41B show another embodiment of a link mechanism forswitching an indication of the combustion display section 255. In otherwords, a link mechanism 260 is made up of a pivotal lever, and anindication plate 260a is integrated with the end of the link mechanismin a bent fashion. A base 260b is rotatably supported by the support 235that supports the bimetal member 231. The engagement member 236 formedon the deformable end of the bimetal member 231 engages with a part ofthe link mechanism 260. The link mechanism 260 is pivoted in accordancewith the thermal deformation of the bimetal member 231 from its coldstate as shown in FIG. 41A to a heated state as shown in FIG. 41B. Thiscauses the indication plate 260a to appear in the opening 220a of theindication section 255.

As the ignition means of the portable heater, according to the eighthembodiment, a mechanism in which the ignition lever is laterally pivotedmay be appropriately adopted in addition to the press type ignitionlever as set forth above. In response to this, the design of the heatershould be changed such that the regulation member which travels as aresult of the deformation of the bimetal member engages with theignition lever.

<Ninth Embodiment>

FIGS. 42 and 43 show a portable heater equipped with a safety deviceaccording to this embodiment. This embodiment relates to an example of asafety device which provides ignition recognition and an indication of arise in surface temperature.

This example has an internal structure which is similar to the portableheater as shown in FIG. 31 of the eighth embodiment (theextinguished-flame safety device can be disregarded). A temperaturedisplay unit 211 is disposed as a safety device on the surface of theportable heater. Practically, as shown in FIG. 31, the portable heatercomprises: the fuel tank 212 filled with fuel; the burner 210 whichcauses gas supplied from the fuel tank 212 to be ignited; the ignitionlever 218 which causes gas to be ignited and extinguished; the containerto be heated 206 which is disposed over the burner 210; and thecylindrical combustion cylinder 202 made of a metal material having asuperior heat conductivity, such as aluminum, for holding the container206.

The container 206 held by the combustion cylinder 202 is disposed overthe burner 210. The pull-tab 205 for opening purposes is formed on theupper end surface of the container 206. Substances to be heated, such aswater, noodles, soup or the like, are sealed in the container. As shownin FIG. 43, the metal partition plate 209 (a corrugated plate) is fixedin a gap between the container 206 and the combustion cylinder 202 overthe entire periphery of the container. This plate forms a number ofchannels 209a on the container side of the plate. A heat-insulatingcorrugated plate 213 having small pitches such as a corrugated boardcovers the external periphery of the combustion cylinder 202, and a heatinsulating member 214 such as paper and expanded styrol furthersurrounds the surface of this corrugated plate.

As shown in FIG. 42, a window 226 for verifying the amount of gasremaining in the fuel tank 221 and a window 227 for extinguishing flamesby moving the ignition lever 218 to an extinguishing position when thecontents of the container 206 are heated to a predetermined temperatureare defined on a lower part of the heat-insulating member 214. Aplurality of slot-shaped air intakes 228 are defined for supplying airto the gas during combustion. The temperature display unit 211 ispositioned on an upper part of the heat-insulating member 214.

The display unit 211 is made of a thermo-tape for managing a temperaturethat is used for verifying ignition and handling the heater. A circularaperture 266 is bored on an upper part of the heat-insulating member214, and this aperture allows the visual verification of, for example, athermo-color of a thermo-tape 265 used for verifying ignition. That tapeis attached to the surface of the combustion cylinder 202, and undergoesdiscoloration at a temperature of about 50° C. A frame 267 having thesame color as a thermo-color of the tape 265 that has undergonediscoloration is printed in such a manner as to surround the aperture266. Letters which can be read "Verify Ignition" are printed below theframe 267. A circular thermo-tape 268 used for handling the heater whichundergoes discoloration at temperatures ranging from 80°-100° C. isattached to the surface of the heat-insulating member 214 atsubstantially the same height as the aperture 266. A frame 269 havingthe same color as the tape 268 that has undergone discoloration isprinted in such a manner as to surround the tape 268, and letters whichcan be read "Caution ! Hot" or "Handle Carefully!" are printed below theframe 269.

The thermo-tape 268 for handling purposes may be attached to a positionabove the air intake ports 228. The thermo-tape is not limited to acircle, but may be formed into a rectangle or the like.

The operation of the temperature display unit 211 of the portable heaterhaving the foregoing structure will now be described.

When the ignition lever 218 is pressed, the valve mechanism 224 isopened and closed, and gas is supplied from the fuel tank 212 to theburner 210. In addition to this, the piezoelectric ignition unit 225 isstruck, and sparks are produced between the burner 210 and the dischargeelectrode 234, whereby gas which is discharged from the burner 210 isignited. Hot air produced by the combustion of gas heats the underneathof the container 206. The hot air also rises along the channels 209aformed on the container side of the partition plate 209, thereby rapidlyheating the container, wherein the partition plate extends downwardspast the bottom edge of the container 206 and is exposed to flames. Thisalso causes the temperature of the combustion cylinder 202 via thepartition plate 209 to rise. When the temperature reaches a specifiedlevel, the thermo-tape 265 used for verifying ignition undergoesdiscoloration, thereby allowing ignition to be visually verified. Hence,it becomes possible to verify the ignition of gas without laboriousobservation of flames through a window formed on a lower part of theportable heater.

If gas from the burner 210 is not ignited, the temperature of thecylinder 202 will not rise, and hence the thermo-tape 265 will fail tobecome decolorated. Thus, it is possible to easily inform the user thatan ignitionoperation using the ignition lever 218 is necessary again.

When the contents of the container 206 are heated by continuingcombustion for a predetermined period, the valve mechanism 224 is openedand closed by pressing a flame extinguishing button, therebyinterrupting the supply of gas. At this time, the heat-insulating member214 has already become hot by heat radiated from the cylinder 202, andthe thermo-tape 268 has undergone discoloration. From the discolorationof the thermo-tape 268, the user can notice that it is dangerous for theuser to touch the heat-insulating member 214 of the portable heater withbare hands.

FIG. 44 shows another modified example, in which a rectangular window270 is defined on an upper part of the heat insulating member 214. It ispossible to observe a thermo-tape used for managing a temperature, forexample, a digital thermo-tape attached to the surface of the combustioncylinder 202 through this window 270. Preset figures, for instance,letters which can be read as 50° C. and 80° C. are provided on thethermo-tape 271, and these figures appear on the tape when the tapereaches a predetermined temperature. Letters which can be read as"Verify Ignition" and "Handle Carefully" are printed below the window270 of the heat-insulating member 214.

The thermo-tape may be set in such a manner that letters such as"Ignition", "Under Combustion", "Handle Carefully" or the like appearinstead of the indication of a temperature.

<Tenth Embodiment>

FIGS. 45 to 51 and 52A-52C show a portable heater having a safety deviceaccording to this embodiment. This embodiment is an example of aportable heater equipped with an overturn safety device whichautomatically extinguishes flames when the heater overturns as well as asimilar extinguished-flame safety device to the eighth embodiment.

A portable heater 310 is provided with a combustion cylinder 312; acontainer to be heated 314 fixedly housed in an upper inside of thiscombustion cylinder 312; a burner 316 fixedly housed in a lower insideof the cylinder 312; and an ignition means 311 for causing the burner316 to be ignited.

An exhaust plate 317 is disposed across between the upper edges of thecombustion cylinder 312 and the container 314 on the upper end of thecombustion cylinder 312. The exhaust plate 317 is annularly formed, andexhaust holes 317a are opened at given intervals along the circumferenceof the plate. Meanwhile, one end of an operation rod 318 used forigniting the burner 316 extends upwards along the cylinder 312, and isarranged in such a manner that the rod causes ignition when it ispressed. The detailed structure of the operation rod 318 will bedescribed later. The downward pressing of the rod causes the ignitionmeans 311 formed at the bottom of the heater to be operated, therebyigniting the burner 316. An upper end 318a of the operation rod 318 thatextends upwards through the exhaust plate 317 is arranged such that itcan be hinged toward the inside of the top of the container 314. Theoperation rod 318 is formed such that it is removed from the combustioncylinder 312 by pulling it upwards. This rod is inserted into thecontainer at another position on the exhaust plate to cause flames to beextinguished.

In addition, the container 314 has a heat-resisting can body 314a, andthe upper end of the can body is sealed by a cap 314b having an openingpull tab 315. This container stores contents such as water. An openingmember 321 is arranged for causing the opening of the pull-tab 315 andthe ignition of the operation rod 318 to be associatedly performed. Thisopening member 321 is engaged with the upper end 318a (which is forcedin an upright direction) which is hinged toward the side of theoperation rod 318 as well as the pull-tab 315. The pull-tab 315 israised by pulling the opening member 321, and the upper end 318a of theoperation rod 318 is released and then stands upright. The operation rod318 is pressed downwards by folding the opening member 321 again,thereby causing the burner 316 to be ignited.

An ignition verification member 322 made of a heat-sensitive materialsuch as a heat-sensitive paint similar to the previous example is formedon an upper outer surface of the combustion cylinder 312. This ignitionverification member 322 has a heat-sensitive characteristic thatundergoes discoloration or the development of color when the temperatureof the member reaches a predetermined level when it is heated withcombustion gas which rises along the combustion cylinder 312 as a resultof the ignition of the burner 316. The verification member 312 iscomposed of, for example, a heat-sensitive material which undergoesdiscoloration at a temperature of 40° C. or thereabouts. In addition tothis, a high-temperature warning member 323 is arranged side by sidewith the verification member 322, and is composed of a heat-sensitivematerial that undergoes discoloration at a temperature of 60° C. orthereabouts.

A set of first air-inlet holes 312a and second air-inlet holes 312b areopened for introducing air for combustion purposes on the combustioncylinder 312 in the vicinity of the burner 316 at the bottom of thecontainer. The set of the first air-inlet hole 312a is composed of fivesmall holes, and is opened below the burner 316. The second air-inletholes 312b which laterally extend are formed at four points on theperiphery of the cylinder above the burner 316. A plate 324 havingperforations is disposed to the inside of this second air-intake hole312b. This plate 324 serves to prevent flames from being extinguished bywind from the outside, or to prevent backfire from the inside.

A corrugated paper or a heat-insulating material 325 such as paper islaminated over the outer periphery of the combustion cylinder 312.However, as with the previous embodiment, the ignition verificationmember 322 and the high-temperature warning member 323 are directlydisposed on the corrugated paper or the heat-insulating material 325 inaccordance with the heat-sensitive characteristic of the verificationmember and the warning member.

The concrete structure of the burner 316 and its ignition means 311 willnow be described. The burner 316 is disposed at the center of the heaterbelow the underneath of the container 314 at a predetermined distance.The burner is produced by pressing a metal plate, and is made up of agas inlet section 316a and a gas outlet section 316b having gas outletholes. A fuel tank 327 for storing fuel to be supplied to this burner316 is disposed on a base member 331 at the bottom of the heater. Thisfuel tank 327 has a metal cylinder 327a and the front part of thiscylinder is closed by a closing member 327b. A valve mechanism 328 forclosing and opening the supply of gas is disposed above this frontsection of the cylinder. A fuel pipe 329 is connected between the valvemechanism 328 and the gas inlet section 316a of the burner 316. The fueltank 327 is made of transparent plastic, and a part of the tankprotrudes so that the amount of remaining fuel can be checked from theoutside.

The ignition means 311, the extinguished-flame safety device 330 and anoverturn safety device 340 are disposed around the burner 316 and thefuel tank 327.

The ignition means 311 is provided with an ignition lever 333 forsupplying gas to the burner 316 and igniting the gas. The ignition lever333 extends on both sides of the fuel tank 327, and one end of the leveris pivotally supported by a rotating shaft 334, and the other end of thelever is connected to a part of a connection part 333a in front of thefuel tank 327. The lower end of the operation rod 318 engages with apart of the connection part 333a, that is an engagement section 333b.The downward pressing of the rod causes the ignition lever 333 to rotatedownwardly.

A first arm 336 is arranged in a pivotal manner for closing and openingthe valve mechanism 328. This first arm 336 has an engagement section336a which is formed at one end of the arm, and this engagement sectionengages with the valve mechanism 328. An upper plate member of the armextends to both sides, and the both ends of the plate angularly extenddownwards within the ignition lever 333. Lower ends 336b of the platemember are engageable with the lower side of an intermediate portion ofthe ignition lever 333 that is pivotally moved while it remains in ahorizontal state (see FIG. 50). When this ignition lever 333 is presseddown, the lower ends 336b of the first arm 336 engage with the ignitionlever 333, and hence the first arm is pivoted downwardly. Thereby, theengagement section 336a causes the valve mechanism 328 to open, and gasis supplied from the fuel tank 327 to the burner 316.

A second arm 337 which rotates as a result of a rotatory operation ofthe lever is fixed to the ignition lever 333. The second arm 337 causesa piezoelectric ignition unit 338 to be operated. The pressing of theignition lever 333 causes the ignition unit 338 to apply a dischargevoltage to a discharge electrode 339 (see FIG. 49), thereby causingignition combustion.

Meanwhile, the extinguished-flame safety device 330 is equipped with abimetal member 341 as shown in FIGS. 52A-52C. This bimetal member 341 isformed into an inverted U-shape. One end 341a of the bimetal member isfixed to the upper end of a support section 344, and a displaceablesection 341c on the other end of the bimetal member extends from thisfixed section 341a via a curved section 341b. That end of the bimetalmember is engaged with a regulation member 342 (a hook). The regulationmember 342 is rotatably supported by a pivot 342a, and the upper end ofthe slit 342b is engaged with the end (a pin) of the displaceablesection 341c of the bimetal member 341. The regulation member pivotallymoves in accordance with the thermal deformation of the bimetal member.The end of a hook portion 342c formed on a lower side surface of theregulation member moves to a position above the ignition lever 333, andis engageable with the same. An engagement position of the regulationmember 342 is set in such a manner that when the ignition lever 333 ispressed down, that is the lever is situated at an ignition operationposition, the regulation member engages with the upper side of the lever333, thereby holding the lever at the ignition operation position (acombustion position). The curved section 341b of the bimetal member 341is connected to a heat-sensitive section 343.

As shown in FIG. 51, a flame-extinguishing mechanism is connected to theregulation member 342 for extinguishing flames after the combustion iscompleted. This mechanism has an engagement leaf 342d that extendssubstantially laterally from the regulation member 342. Aflame-extinguishing lever 346 is disposed in a vertically rotatablefashion above the engagement leaf 342d. The flame-extinguishing lever346 is forced upwards by a return spring 347. An engagement section 346aformed at the end of the lever extends to the vicinity of an internalperiphery of the combustion cylinder 312. This engagement section 346acan be pressed down in the same manner as the ignition lever 333 bymeans of the operation rod 318 that is inserted above the heater at aposition which is different from the ignition position corresponding tothe engagement section 333b of the ignition lever 333. The pressing ofthis engagement section causes the engagement leaf 342d of theregulation member 342 which remains in a combustion holding state asshown in FIG. 52B to be downwardly rotated, thereby releasing theignition lever 333 held by the regulation member 342.

The overturn safety device 340 is provided with an overturn sensor 355which is actuated upon detection of a fallen state of the heater 310.The overturn sensor 355 has a rod-shaped sensing member 356, and the endof this sensing member projects in a retractable fashion from theunderneath of the base member 331. This sensing member 356 is verticallyslidable in the vicinity of the end of the leaf 342d of the regulationmember 342. A support plate 357 disposed above the sensing member 356 isforced upwards by a spring sandwiched between them in a contractedmanner. This sensing member 356 is provided with a link member 359 (apin) which causes the regulation member 342 to rotate in a direction ofthe extinguishing of flames in conjunction with the leaf 342d when theheater overturns. The end of the sensing member 356 is retracted whenthe heater stands upright as shown in FIGS. 52A and 52B. However, whenthe heater overturns as shown in FIG. 52C, the end of the sensing memberprojects from the base member 331, and hence the link member 359 engageswith the leaf 342d. This causes the regulation member 342 to rotatedownwardly, which releases the ignition lever 333 held by the regulationmember.

Bead-like engagement protuberances 312c that project to the inside ofthe combustion cylinder are formed on the cylinder 312 at positionswhich corresponding to the upper and lower ends of the partition member313. The corrugated partition member 313 is fixedly inserted betweenthese protuberances along the combustion cylinder 312, thereby fixedlyholding the container 314. This partition member 313 has a lower turnedup end in a predetermined size that is folded to the inside of theheater, and the upper end of this turn-up is formed into a bottomholding section 313a for supporting the outer periphery of the bottom ofthe container 314. An inner flange 317b of the exhaust plate 317 engageswith the upper edge of the container 314. A heat-transfer plate 352 isdisposed for transferring heat of the burner 316 to the fuel tank 327.

The heating of the foregoing embodiment will now be described. When aheater is in a non-used preserved state, the opening member 321 thatengages with the pull-tab 315 is mounted in a flat state on the top ofthe container 314. The end 318a of the operation rod 318 is hinged andhoused in the opening member. In this extinguished state, as shown inFIG. 52A, the ignition lever 333 is situated at an elevated position,and the bimetal member 341 remains intact. The regulation member 342 ispositioned at a location where it allows vertical movement of theignition lever 333. At this time, when the heater stands upright, thelower end of the sensing member 356 of the overturn sensor 355 comesinto contact with a mounting surface. The sensing member 356 moves to aretracted position under the weight of the heater 310 against the spring358, and hence the sensing member is prevented from interrupting thepivotal movement of the regulation member 342.

When the container 314 is heated by starting combustion using the burner316 which is in an extinguished state, the pull-tab 315 is pulled bysliding the opening member 321 to the operation rod side and thenpulling it up, thereby opening the container 314. Then, the end 318a ofthe operation rod 318 is released and stands upright. After thecontainer 314 has been opened, the opening member 321 is returned to itshorizontal state. This causes the operation rod 318 to be presseddownwards, and hence the ignition lever 333 is pressed, thereby causingignition. Thereby, gas is emitted from the burner 316 and ignited.Immediately after the combustion starts, the bimetal member stillremains undeformed, and hence the regulation member 342 is positioned ata released position.

After the combustion starts, when a predetermined time has elapsed whilethe ignition lever 333 is depressed, the bimetal member 341 is thermallydeformed upon receipt of combustion heat from the heat-sensitive section343. As shown in FIG. 52B, the regulation member pivotally moves suchthat the hook 342c of the regulation member 342 projects above theignition lever 333, whereby the upward return movement of the ignitionlever 333 is hindered when a hand is released from the operation rod318. Thus, the emission of gas from the burner 316 is maintained, andcombustion continues.

During the operation of the extinguished-flame safety device 330,combustion gas produced by the burner 316 rises through a gap betweenthe combustion cylinder 312 and the container 314. The combustioncylinder 312 is heated via the partition member 313, and the temperatureof this combustion cylinder 312 rises in accordance with a time that haselapsed from the ignition of the burner 316. When the temperaturereaches a preset value, the ignition verification member 322 undergoesdiscoloration or the development of color. The heat-sensitivecharacteristic of this member is set in conjunction with the operationof the extinguished-flame safety device 330. Thereby, the verificationof ignition of the burner 316 and the maintenance of combustion can becarried out. The ignition operation of the opening member 321 isreleased by the verification of the discoloration or the development ofcolor of the ignition verification member 322, whereby combustion ismaintained.

When the heater 310 overturns due to an external force which is exertedon the heater during combustion, the end of the sensing member 356 ofthe overturn sensor 355 comes off from the mounting surface as shown inFIG. 52C. Then, the sensing member 356 projects under a thrusting forceof the spring 358. This causes the link member 359 (a pin) to engagewith the leaf 342d, and hence causes the regulation member 342 to rotatedownwardly. The hook 342c is disengaged from the ignition lever 333, andthe ignition lever 333 thus released returns upwards, whereby the supplyof gas to the burner 316 is automatically interrupted, and flames areextinguished.

If flames are extinguished during combustion by wind or the boiling overof the liquid, the bimetal member 341 is deformed and recedes inproportion to a drop in temperature, and hence the regulation member 342is rotated. This causes the hook 342c to be disengaged from the ignitionlever 333, and the return rotation, i.e. the rise of the ignition lever333 interrupts the supply of gas. Thus, the emission of gas while theheater is in an extinguished state is prevented. When flames areextinguished, the operation rod 318 removed from the ignition positionis inserted into a flame-extinguishing position that corresponds to theengagement section 346a of the ignition lever 346. This causes theregulation member 342 to forcedly rotate, and hence the regulationmember is disengaged from the ignition lever 333. The ignition lever 333then returns to its original position, whereby the heater enters anextinguished state.

In this embodiment, although the examples have the overturn safetydevice 340 incorporated into the extinguished-flame safety device 330that is made of the bimetal member 341, a flame extinguishing mechanism,dispensing with the bimetal member 341 but having a regulation memberfor holding the ignition lever 333 in a combustion position when theheater 310 stands upright, may be disposed for causing the regulationmember to rotate in conjunction with the movement of the sensing member356 when the heater overturns in the same manner as the previousexample.

<Eleventh Embodiment>

This embodiment is a modified example of the tenth embodiment. FIGS. 53to 55 show another example of the overturn safety device. The device isequipped with an overturn sensor using a steel ball. The ignition means311 and the extinguished-flame safety device 330 are constituted in thesame manner as the previous embodiment, and hence the same referencenumerals are provided to corresponding features.

An overturn safety device 360 of this embodiment has an overturn sensor361 disposed by the side of the ignition lever 333. The overturn sensor361 has a receiving table 363, and a sensing member 362 made of a steelball is placed on a dish-shaped concaved surface 363a on the table. Thecenter of the concaved surface 363a is lowered, and the sensing member362 is situated at this center when the heater 310 stands upright. Acover 363b covers the concaved surface 363a of the receiving table 363for preventing the sensing member 362 from dropping from the surface.

A link member 364 made of an arm is provided for regulating the movementof the ignition lever 333 in conjunction with the movement of thesensing member 362. The link member 364 is formed into a crank, and themiddle of the link member is supported by a pin 365 on the upper end ofa support 366 in a pivotal manner. A sensor-side end 364a of the linkmember pivots vertically, and this end extends to a position above thecenter of the concaved surface 363a. The other end of the link member isbent downwards, and the lower end of it is further bent horizontally,thereby constituting an engagement end 364b. This engagement end 364b isarranged such that it can engage with a lower part of the ignition lever333. Moreover, the link member 364 is thrust to rotate upwards by areturn spring 367. The sensing member 362 is situated at the center ofthe concave surface 363a when the heater 310 stands upright. If theheater overturns, the sensing member moves to a surrounding area of thecenter. In response to this, the link member 364 is pivotally moved.

The operation of the heater of this embodiment will now be described.FIGS. 54 and 55 show the heater when it stands upright from itspreserved state as well as an overturned state. When the heater standsupright before ignition, the ignition lever 333 is at an elevatedposition. Hence, the link member 364 is in a free state. When the heaterstands upright from its lying state, or a preserved state, the steelball is displaced from the center of the concave surface, and the linkmember 364 is pivotally moved by the return spring 367. When theignition lever 333 is pressed down as a result of an ignition operation,the burner 316 is ignited. In addition, the ignition lever also pressesdown the engagement end 364b of the link member 364 when it reaches itslowermost position. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 54, the sensing member 362made of a steel ball moves to a position below the sensor-side end 364aof the link member 364. This regulates the pivotal return movement ofthe link member 364. The regulation member 342 is actuated in accordancewith the deformation of the bimetal member 341 as a result ofcombustion. This regulation member holds the ignition lever 333 at acombustion position, and hence combustion continues.

When the heater enters in an overturned state from the combustion state,the sensing member 362 of the overturn sensor 361 moves to a surroundingarea of the center as shown in FIG. 55. This causes the link member 364to be released from its regulated state, and the link member 364 rotateswith the help of the return spring 367. The link member is thrust by thespring such that the engagement end 364b engages with the bottom side ofthe ignition lever 333, and the ignition lever 333 is raised. Theregulation member 342 is forcedly released from its holding state, andhence the ignition lever 333 is pivotally moved upwards. This interruptsthe supply of gas to the burner 316, and flames are extinguished. Theextinguished-flame safety device operates in the same way as in theprevious embodiment.

<Twelfth Embodiment>

This embodiment is a modified example of the tenth embodiment. FIGS. 56and 57 show the example, and this example is different in an ignitionmeans from that of the tenth embodiment. In response to this difference,an overturn safety device 370 is also changed.

A burner 371 of the portable heater 310 according to this embodiment iscylindrically formed. A valve mechanism 372 used for emission of gas isdisposed at the lower end of the burner 371. The valve mechanism 372 isdisposed on the top of a fuel tank 373. Though not shown in thedrawings, the combustion cylinder 312 and the container 314 or the likesimilar to those in the previous embodiment are disposed above theburner 371.

The valve mechanism 372 has a nozzle 381 for closing and opening theemission of gas when it is raised or lowered in conjunction with a linkmember 379 of an overturn sensor 375. In other words, as with the tenthembodiment, the overturn sensor 375 has a rod-shaped sensing member 376which projects downwards from the underneath of the portable heater 310in a retractable manner along a guide member 377. The sensing member 376projects if the heater overturns, but is retracted when the heaterstands upright. The upper end of the sensing member 376 is connected toone end of the lever-shaped link member 379 via a connecting part 378.The inner end of this link member 379 is supported by a pivot 380 in apivotable manner. A part of the link member 379 which is close to itsinner end is engaged with the upper end of the nozzle 381.

The detailed structure of the valve mechanism 372 is shown in FIG. 57(illustrating when the valve emits gas). A valve housing 382 is fixed toan upper wall of the fuel tank 327. The nozzle 381 is housed in a nozzlebottom 383 and a nozzle casing 384. A nozzle valve rubber 385 isattached to the lower end of the nozzle. The nozzle is thrust downwardby a nozzle spring 386 in such a manner that the nozzle valve rubber 385closes a bottom opening 383a of the nozzle bottom 383. This nozzlespring 386 also thrusts the sensing member 376 in a projecting directionvia the link member 379.

The nozzle casing 384 is screwed into the valve housing 382 by means ofa thread formed on the outer periphery of the casing. The ignition lever387 that is operated in a lateral direction is fixed to the top of thisnozzle casing 384. The nozzle casing 384 is rotated in accordance withthe lateral rotation of the ignition lever 387. This causes the nozzlecasing 384 to vertically move together with the nozzle bottom 383 withrespect to the valve housing 382.

The lower end of the bottom opening 383a of the nozzle bottom 383 isopened and closed in accordance with the vertical movement of the nozzlebottom by means of a needle valve 388 formed on the bottom of the valvehousing 382. Connection holes 382a are drilled on the bottom of thevalve housing 382, so that they are connected to the inside of the fueltank 373. As shown in the drawing, the upper and lower ends of thebottom opening 383a of the nozzle bottom 383 are open, a flow channel isconstituted such that gas flows through the inside of the nozzle 382,and is emitted from the tip end of the nozzle via the connection holes382a and the bottom opening 383a.

The operation of this portable heater of this embodiment will now bedescribed. When the heater stands upright before it is in use, thesensing member 376 is retracted, and the link member 379 rotatesupwards. This causes the nozzle 381 to be raised, and the nozzle valverubber 385 is also raised. Thereby, the upper end of the bottom opening383a is opened, but its lower end remains closed by the needle valve388, thereby preventing the emission of gas. When the ignition lever 387is rotated as a result of an ignition operation, the nozzle casing 384is also rotated, whereby the nozzle bottom 383 is raised and detachedfrom the needle valve 388. This causes the bottom end of the bottomopening 383a to be opened, and gas is emitted from the end of the nozzlevia the connection holes 382a, the bottom opening 383a and the inside ofthe nozzle 381. Thus, the burner 371 starts combustion.

When the heater enters into an overturned state from the combustionstate, the sensing member 376 of the overturn sensor 375 becomespossible to project. The sensing member 376 projects under a thrustingforce of the nozzle spring 386, and the nozzle 381 is lowered, wherebythe nozzle valve rubber 385 on the lower end of the nozzle close thebottom opening 383a. This interrupts the emission of gas, and henceautomatically extinguishes flames. Also, the nozzle bottom 383 islowered by operating the ignition lever 387 in a direction of theextinguishing of flames, and the bottom opening 383a of the nozzlebottom is closed by the needle valve 388. Thus, the supply of gas isinterrupted, and flames are extinguished.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable heater having a safety devicecomprising a combustion cylinder, a burner disposed on a bottom of thecombustion cylinder, a container to be heated which is disposed in anupper part of the combustion cylinder for storing contents to be heatedwhen the heater is in use, a fuel tank for storing fuel gas to besupplied to the burner, an ignition means having an ignition lever andan igniter operated by the ignition lever which causes the ignition ofgas in the burner, an extinguished-flame safety device that holds theignition lever of the ignition means in a combustion position by meansof a bimetal member which is deformed because of a rise in temperatureas a result of combustion, a heater path in which combustion gas risesalong a combustion chamber, an ignition verification member disposed onthe outer surface on an upper part of the combustion cylinder and madeof a heat-sensitive material that undergoes the development of color ordecoloration in accordance with a rise in temperature when the heatsensitive material is heated by combustion of the gas, and wherein theheat-sensitive characteristic of the ignition verification member is setin such a manner that the heat sensitive material undergoes decolorationor the development of color when the temperature is high enough to causethe ignition lever to be held in the combustion position by means of thebimetal member.
 2. A portable heater having a safety device comprising acombustion cylinder and a burner disposed on a bottom of the combustioncylinder, a container to be heated which is disposed in an upper part ofthe combustion cylinder for storing contents to be heated when theheater is in use, a fuel tank for storing fuel as to be supplied to theburner, and an ignition means having an ignition lever and an igniteroperated by the ignition lever which causes the ignition of gas in theburner, an overturn sensor which detects overturning of the heater bythe shift of a sensing member when the heater is changed from an uprightstate to an overturned state; and a link member that opens and closesthe supply of gas to the burner in conjunction with the operation of theoverturn sensor and interrupts the supply of gas upon detection of theoverturning of the heater.
 3. A portable heater as defined in claim 2,wherein the overturn sensor has a rod-shaped sensing member whichprojects downward from the bottom of the heater in a retractable manner,and the sensing member is retracted when the heater stands upright, andprojects when the heater overturns, thereby detecting the overturning ofthe heater.
 4. A portable heater as defined in claim 2, wherein theoverturn sensor has a ball-shaped sensing member which is positioned ona dish-shaped concave surface, and the sensing member is positioned atthe center of the concave surface when the heater stands upright, andmoves to a surrounding area of the center when the heater overturns,thereby detecting the overturning of the heater.
 5. A portable heater asdefined in claim 2, including a regulation member disposed on theignition lever for holding the ignition lever in a position where thesupply of gas to the burner continues, and wherein the link membercauses the ignition lever to move to a position in which the supply ofgas to the burner is shut off upon detection of the overturning of theheater by the overturn sensor.